11 month old who won't eat solids and iron

[Thandiwe]

Does anyone have any input on iron and an 11 month old?  He won't take solids, so he's nursing for his food.  He will take one bite here and there of food, but doesn't eat solids.  For example, today I gave him a cup of diluted fruit juice and a piece of toast with peanut butter on it.  He took an itty bitty bite of the toast and drank several sips of juice then was all set.  He is tiny for his age (we don't do well-baby checks, so I don't know percentiles), about 18/19# (started at 8# 10oz), and just all around petite.  But he's healthy and thriving, hitting all of his milestones.

I just started worrying about iron.  There is no reason; he's not any more pale than usual or lethargic, just concern as a mom because I know he doesn't get it from solid foods.  I take a multi vitamin that contains 30mg and eat sufficient sources of iron.  I have never had low amounts of iron.  But, I was wondering if anyone had any advice/opinions about supplementing with iron?  Should I give him an iron supplement or should I take more iron so that he gets additional amounts through my milk?  Or should I stop being a paranoid mama and just let it go? 

[leafwood]

My first did not really start eating solids until her first b-day and we had blood drawn that indicated low iron levels. We supplements with drops (Fer-Gen-Sol if I recall correctly...clear, had natural lemon added for Vit C which assists with iron absorption). We gave her half the recommended dose every other day and her levels were fine w/i a month. However, I would not recommend supplementing with drops unless you know there is a deficiency since too much iron can be problematic.

[Thandiwe]

Thanks!  I kind of think I'm jumping the gun without knowing one way or another.  I just start thinking about it and get paranoid, y'know?  I think we'll try to get a blood draw to see.

 

Originally Posted by leafwood 

My first did not really start eating solids until her first b-day and we had blood drawn that indicated low iron levels. We supplements with drops (Fer-Gen-Sol if I recall correctly...clear, had natural lemon added for Vit C which assists with iron absorption). We gave her half the recommended dose every other day and her levels were fine w/i a month. However, I would not recommend supplementing with drops unless you know there is a deficiency since too much iron can be problematic.